Bank of Maldives Denies Sharing Customer Personal Data with Immigration Authorities

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has dismissed social media claims suggesting that sensitive customer personal data is being shared with Maldives Immigration. The rumors emerged following the bank's introduction of new restrictions on foreign transactions conducted using Maldivian Rufiyaa cards. BML implemented these measures to combat a surge in fraudulent activity, where third parties were exploiting the cards of local residents to make unauthorized international purchases. To close this security gap, the bank collaborated with Maldives Immigration to establish a geographical restriction that disables international card usage for clients physically present within the Maldives. Speaking on the ‘Raajje Miadhu’ programme, BML spokesperson Mohamed Saeed clarified that while the transaction network is now interfaced with border control systems, the integration is strictly operational. He emphasized that the bank does not receive logistical details such as flight itineraries or information about travel companions when a citizen travels abroad. "This process does not mean that when an individual travels abroad, even if they are a Maldivian citizen, the bank receives details about their travel companions, flight itinerary, or similar logistical information," Saeed stated. He further assured the public that the bank does not share card details or any biographical profiles with Maldives Immigration. Under the new protocol, the automated verification system checks only one metric: whether the cardholder is officially recorded as being outside the country. This location-based check allows the bank to verify the user's presence without exchanging private personal data. To assist Maldivian students pursuing education overseas, BML has introduced a three-month grace period for those using parental cards. Following this period, the bank requires affected students to obtain their own dedicated student cards to ensure uninterrupted access to funds while abroad.